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Books matching: historical references

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  1. #1

    The Only Child by Andrew Pyper
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    In The Only Child by Andrew Pyper, the story follows Lily, a forensic psychologist who is haunted by visions of her mother's death. Assigned a curious admission at a criminal center in New York, Lily encounters a patient claiming to be the inspiration behind classic monsters like Frankenstein's monster, Dracula, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. As she delves deeper into the patient's claims, a cat and mouse game unfolds, leading Lily on a journey across Europe to uncover the truth about her mother and the mysterious patient. The book is described as a horror story wrapped in a dark psychological drama, with elements of action and adventure that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    Andrew Pyper's writing style in The Only Child is praised for its ability to transport readers to different locations, allowing them to feel the surroundings vividly. The author's use of minimal words to convey maximal emotion is highlighted, making readers gasp time and time again. The book is commended for its fast-paced plot, filled with phenomenal cliffhangers that keep readers flipping the pages frantically, immersing them in an alternative history tale that blends horror, psychology, and suspense.

    Lily knows better than most how unlikely it is that this is real. Through her years of training and now her days in the courtroom providing expert testimony on psychological states of mind, she has le...

  2. #2
    Treasure Of Khan
    Book 20 in the series:Dirk Pitt

    Treasure Of Khan - Dirk Pitt by Clive Cussler
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    'Treasure Of Khan' in the Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler is a classic adventure novel that follows the daring exploits of Dirk Pitt and his team. The story involves a mix of history, fiction, and action, with elements of suspense and advanced technology. The plot includes a treasure hunt, a damsel in distress, an evil Mongolian family, and the usual appearance of Clive Cussler as a minor character. The book is set in various locations, including the past and slightly into the future, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Despite some fantastical elements, the book is well researched and offers a good mix of entertainment and escapism.

    The writing style of Clive Cussler in 'Treasure Of Khan' is described as easy to read, flowing nicely, and engaging. The book follows a familiar formula where Dirk Pitt faces challenges, meets a girl in distress, and saves the day with his heroic actions. The blend of fact and fiction, along with the historical references, adds depth to the story and keeps readers interested. While not considered great literature, the book is praised for being a good way to spend spare time, offering a fun and entertaining read that captures the essence of a classic Dirk Pitt adventure.

    T HE STILL WATERS of the world’s deepest lake radiate the deep translucent blue of a polished sapphire. Fed by cold ancient streams that are free of silt and sediments, Lake Baikal possesses remarkabl...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dirk Pitt )

  3. #3

    The Pyrates by George MacDonald Fraser
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    'The Pyrates' by George MacDonald Fraser is a rollicking adventure set in the 17th century Caribbean, following a crew of pirates as they battle the Spanish and English navies. The story features a mix of swashbuckling action, damsels in distress, sea battles, and larger-than-life characters like the dashing British naval officer Captain Avery and the villainous Colonel Blood. The writing style is described as tongue-in-cheek, filled with clever wordplay, sly references, and a satirical take on Hollywood pirate films.

    It began in the old and golden days of England, in a time when all the hedgerows were green and the roads dusty, when hawthorn and wild roses bloomed, when big-bellied landlords brewed rich October al...

  4. #4

    The Cantos by Ezra Pound
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    The Cantos by Ezra Pound is a complex and intriguing work that blends elements of science fiction, poetry, and worldbuilding. It delves into themes of guilt, second chances, and the universe, set in a fantasy sci-fi space opera type realm. The writing style is described as difficult to comprehend but in perfectly understandable English, with detailed worldbuilding and good prose. The plot seems to touch on Dante's version of Hell, sinners, and the concept of absolving oneself of guilt.


  5. #5

    Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring
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    The play 'Arsenic and Old Lace' by Joseph Kesselring is a dark comedy farce that revolves around the eccentric Brewster family living in Brooklyn. The Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, appear to be sweet old ladies who engage in acts of charity, but in reality, they are mercy killers who poison lonely old men. Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic, discovers his aunts' secret and must navigate the madness within his family, including his delusional nephew Teddy who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, and his sinister brother Jonathan, a serial killer with a grudge against Mortimer. The play unfolds with a mix of humor, mystery, and absurdity, culminating in a clash of logic versus lunacy.

    'Arsenic and Old Lace' is a self-aware play that combines murder mystery clichés with soap opera twists in a theatrical satire format. The fast-paced and frenzied plot, filled with gallows humor and historical references, keeps the audience engaged. The play's burlesque style, lovable yet maniacal characters, and mix of comedy genres, from slapstick to sarcasm, promise a show peppered with humor, satire, and light-hearted bewilderment.


  6. #6

    Six Memos For The Next Millennium by Italo Calvino
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    In the book 'Six Memos For The Next Millennium', Italo Calvino explores various aspects of artistic value through a series of essays. The author delves into the qualities of Lightness, Quickness, Exactitude, Visibility, and Multiplicity in literature and art, drawing inspiration from a wide range of ancient and modern authors. Despite the sixth essay remaining unwritten due to Calvino's untimely death, the book provides a thought-provoking insight into his views on the future of literature in the XXI Century. Through his engaging writing style and meticulous analysis, Calvino presents a brilliant set of reflections on literature, art, and the development of ideas, offering readers a deep understanding of the key elements that contribute to artistic achievements.

    I will devote my first lecture to the opposition between lightness and weight, and will uphold the values of lightness. This does not mean that I consider the virtues of weight any less compelling, bu...

  7. #7
    A Book of Bones
    Book 17 in the series:Charlie Parker

    A Book of Bones - Charlie Parker by John Connolly
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    'A Book of Bones' by John Connolly is a sprawling thriller in the Charlie Parker series, spanning multiple countries and delving into the hunt for a creature seeking an atlas that could rewrite reality. The story follows Charlie Parker, along with his companions Angel and Louis, as they unravel a trail of killings that touch both sacred and pagan ritual grounds, leading to a final confrontation with the antagonists. The book is described as a mix of human and supernatural evil, exploring the blurring lines between moral and immoral actions through its characters and the unsettling imagery presented.

    The narrative is intricate, filled with historical inserts and detailed descriptions that set the stage for a dark and engaging story. The author, John Connolly, weaves together various plotlines, introducing new characters and expanding on existing ones, all while maintaining a sense of tension and mystery that keeps readers engaged throughout the nearly 700 pages of the novel.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Charlie Parker )

  8. #8
    Perfidia
    Book 1 in the series:Second L.A. Quartet

    Perfidia - Second L.A. Quartet by James Ellroy
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    'Perfidia' by James Ellroy is a complex and gritty novel set in Los Angeles in December 1941, just before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The story revolves around the murder of a Japanese family, with LAPD eager to quickly solve the case amidst a backdrop of corruption, violence, and racial tensions. The book intricately weaves together a wide range of characters, both fictional and real, showcasing a historical perspective on the time period with a mix of intense plotlines and a unique, staccato writing style that sets the tone for a dark and suspenseful narrative.

    L.A. Quartet 01 - The Black Dahlia 02 - The Big Nowhere 03 - L.A. Confidential 04 - White Jazz Underworld USA 01 - American Tabloid 02 - The Cold Six Thousand 03 - Blood’s a Rover Second L.A. Quartet ...

  9. #9

    Ulysses Annotated by Don Gifford, Robert J. Seidman
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    'Ulysses Annotated' by Don Gifford and Robert J. Seidman is a comprehensive reference guide for James Joyce's epic novel 'Ulysses'. It provides explanations and analysis of the myriad objects, songs, poems, and references made in 'Ulysses', helping readers understand the intricate details and allusions within the text. The annotations in the book also shed light on how each chapter of 'Ulysses' corresponds to Homer's Odyssey and different styles of writing, making it an indispensable companion for readers navigating Joyce's complex work.

    Readers appreciate the detailed historical, mythological, and religious references provided in 'Ulysses Annotated', as well as the insights into cultural movements in Ireland during the time period of the novel. not only clarifies slang and lyrics from popular songs but also delves into directories, maps, and archival records to explain Joyce's direct inspirations from real people, places, and events in Dublin. This meticulous research enriches the reading experience and offers a deeper understanding of the context in which 'Ulysses' is set.


  10. #10
    Janissaries
    Book 1 in the series:Janissaries

    Janissaries - Janissaries by Jerry Pournelle
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    Jerry Pournelle's 'Janissaries' follows the journey of Captain Rick Galloway, a mercenary abandoned in Africa and rescued by aliens who transport him to a planet called Tran. There, Galloway and his men are tasked with managing a local population and cultivating a valuable crop, all while navigating political intrigues and an undisclosed threat hanging over everyone. The book combines elements of military science fiction, time travel, and intergalactic adventure, offering a unique blend of action, historical references, and intriguing plot twists.

    The writing style in 'Janissaries' is described as engaging and fast-paced, with a focus on character development and creating a vivid setting that blends elements of Earth's history with futuristic technology. Readers appreciate the mix of medieval warfare, space travel, betrayal, and complex events that keep the story dynamic and full of surprises.


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